Select Lever

The automatic transmission select lever can be moved to any of the 4 ranges and the transmission enters sports mode when the lever is moved laterally from D range, and further switches to sports shift mode (manual mode) when the lever is moved forward ("+" direction) or rearward ("-" direction).
The select lever makes shift direction (longitudinal) movements as well as select direction (lateral) movements. The select lever is guided by a gate to make these movements.
In the sports shift mode, the transmission upshifts when the selector lever is moved forward ("+" direction) and downshifts when the lever is moved rearward ("-" direction).
To transmit movements of the select lever to the transmission, a select cable is used.
The select lever mechanism has a detent spring. It ensures more precise positioning of the select lever.

Fig 1: Select Lever Shifting Mechanism
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.